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Fallout Removal

Fallout removal is the removal of metallic particles embedded in a vehicle’s exterior surfaces that rust and discolour the paint, affect the smooth surface texture, and are easily noticed on vehicles with white paint. If not removed in a timely and effective manner, fallout becomes more extreme and unsightly.

The metallic particles are formed, by three main sources:

  1. Fallout. This refers to minute iron particles, sometimes hot, of rail dust and smokestack fly ash caused by friction between train wheels and track. Fallout takes effect on the vehicle either during transportation by rail car or truck, or when stationary in a heavily contaminated area.
  2. Brake dust. Composed of metallic iron particles, brake dust is a dark-coloured residue caused by the grinding of iron and brake pads, and takes place when braking occurs.
  3. Metal oxides. When chemicals in a vehicle’s exterior painted surface break down, the underlying metal is exposed to oxygen and causes metal oxides.

Both fallout and brake dust produce minute metallic iron particles that become embedded in the vehicle’s exterior painted surface and form a bond with the metallic substrate underneath. Metal oxides, formed when the vehicle’s exterior painted surface breaks down, begin to corrode and are seen on the exterior surface.

To effectively remove fallout, there are three methods:

  1. Liquid fallout remover. Formulated with organic acids required to effectively dissolve metallic particles, KNOCK OUT is Auto Valet’s liquid fallout remover that enables complete and safe removal of fallout. Quick and easy to use across an entire vehicle’s surface. Effective for light to heavy fallout scenarios.
  2. Clay bar. Designed with a blend of synthetic rubbers. Slower to remove fallout, compared to either a nano buff wash mitt or KNOCK OUT. Available in two strengths: aggressive (heavy cut - purple) and regular (light cut - grey). Effective for lighter, smaller applications where medium to heavy fallout is not present or when metallic particles are not deeply embedded in the paint.
  3. Nano buff wash mitt. Contains advanced rubber polymer technology. Easily removes fallout with sturdy and controlled handling. Slower to use compared to KNOCK OUT; however, quicker to use compared to clay bars. Available in two strengths: medium (yellow) and fine (blue). Effective for smaller applications where heavy fallout is not present (when metallic particles are not deeply embedded in the paint).

The time to remove fallout is dependent on both the vehicle’s total exterior surface area, the intensity and amount of fallout, and the method of removal. Once removal is complete, the areas of application will be clean, smooth, and free from paint discolouration caused by oxidation (rust).

Safety supplies include goggles, an apron, rubber boots, and impervious gloves. You will require a pressure washer or hose and nozzle to complete this task. View the products used tab for Auto Valet products and accessories relating to this detailing task.

AREAS OF APPLICATION

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Glass Surfaces

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Painted Surfaces

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Trim

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Wheel Rims

Directions

METHOD 1: LIQUID FALLOUT REMOVER

STEP 1: PREPARE THE AREAS OF APPLICATION

Ensure the areas of application are clean and free from tar, grease, and grime. Wet the painted area of application with cool water.

STEP 2: APPLY THE LIQUID FALLOUT REMOVER

Use a spray bottle and an acid resistant trigger sprayer nozzle. Spray undiluted KNOCK OUT on the painted area of application.

STEP 3: ALLOW PRODUCT CRYSTALLIZATION

Allow KNOCK OUT to crystallize on the painted surface, approximately 5 to 10 minutes, depending on relative humidity. Complete step 4, rinsing the areas of application, after KNOCK OUT crystallizes but before it dries.

STEP 4: RINSE THE AREAS OF APPLICATION

Rinse the area thoroughly with a high-pressure washer. For best results, rinse at close range, with the water hitting the painted surfaces at an angle.

STEP 5: REVIEW YOUR WORK

For stubborn particles remaining, retreat areas, repeating steps 1 to 4. Complete an exterior wash using a vehicle wash soap, to allow for final neutralization and particle removal. Dry the vehicle.

METHOD 2: CLAY BARS AND NANO BUFF WASH MITTS

STEP 1: PREPARE THE AREAS OF APPLICATION

Ensure the areas of application are clean and free from tar, grease, and grime. Generously mist the areas of application with PARADE.

STEP 2: APPLY THE CLAYBAR OR NANOMITT

If using a clay bar, make sure it is free of contaminants. Begin with the roof and move downwards towards the hood, trunk and sides. Use light pressure to remove the surface contaminants. For best results, (1) keep the vehicle’s area of application lubricated with PARADE during the process, and (2) if using a clay bar, knead periodically to ensure its surface remains clean.

STEP 3: RINSE THE AREAS OF APPLICATION

Rinse the areas of application thoroughly with a high-pressure washer.

STEP 4: EXTERIOR WASH AND DRY

Complete an exterior wash using a vehicle wash soap, and dry the vehicle.
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Tips

  • To remove body shop overspray, rail dust, or iron particles on glass, use a fine steel wool pad with a glass cleaner, then buff the glass clean with a microfiber cloth.
  • Do not leave KNOCK OUT on a vehicle’s surface for extended periods of time, damage may occur.
  • Use PARADE to keep the areas of application lubricated when using a clay bar or nano buff wash mitt. PARADE is designed to provide optimal lubrication while preventing paint damage. Water is not an adequate lubricant.
  • The nano buff wash mitts are not solvent resistant; ensure areas of application are clean before use. Solvents will destroy nano buff wash mitts.
  • Nano buff wash mitts have a protective seal that requires removal before first use. To remove the protective seal, dampen the mitt with PARADE. Then moisten a portion of window glass or another clean glass surface. Rub the nano buff wash mitt in a circular motion against the glass for 30-60 seconds. A white soapy foam will appear; this is the protective seal being removed.
  • Use clay bars and nano buff wash mitts on clean, cool paint and out of direct sunlight. Painted surfaces that are hot will destroy the nano buff wash mitt. Cold temperatures may stiffen nano buff wash mitts. Always work on surfaces between 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F), for both methods.
  • Be sure to carefully read and follow all product instructions and precautions, on the product labels.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

(1) Fallout. Refers to minute iron particles, sometimes hot, of rail dust and smoke stack fly ash caused by friction between train wheels and track. Fallout takes effect to the vehicle either during transportation by rail car or truck, or when stationary in a heavily contaminated area. (2) Brake dust. Composed of metallic iron particles, brake dust is a dark-coloured residue caused by the grinding of iron and brake pads, and takes place when braking occurs. (3) Metal oxides. When chemicals in a vehicle’s exterior painted surface break down, the underlying metal is exposed to oxygen and causes metal oxides.

Both fallout and brake dust produce minute metallic iron particles that become embedded in the vehicle’s exterior painted surface and form a bond with the metallic substrate underneath. Metal oxides, formed when the vehicle’s exterior painted surface breaks down, begins to corrode.

Fallout, brake dust, and metal oxides typically rust and discolour the paint, affect the smooth surface texture, and are easily noticed on vehicles with white paint.

Removal of these metallic iron particles is accomplished by using KNOCK OUT. KNOCK OUT is a cleaner formulated using organic acids that dissolve the metallic particles, enabling complete, safe removal. The YELLOW NANO BUFF WASH MITT, BLUE NANO BUFF WASH MITT, GREY CLAY BAR, and PURPLE CLAY BAR are also effective at removing surface contaminants; however, are not recommended for medium to heavy applications, where metallic iron particles are embedded into the painted surfaces.

The minute metallic iron particles, embedded into a vehicle’s exterior painted surface, caused from fallout, brake dust, or metal oxides, form a bond with the metallic substrate underneath. Special organic acids are required to effectively dissolve the metallic particles to enable a complete and safe removal from the vehicle’s exterior painted surface. KNOCK OUT contains the organic acids required, and is designed specifically for this type of application.